Positive impact
After reading Gulf News's recent report on children with special needs, I was reminded of the tough times I had to face, when volunteering for one such school in India. I had to convince many parents that the school was safe for their "normal" child. I think schools should conduct workshops to inform parents of the needs of a special child. Most parents object due to lack of knowledge and ignorance. Some parents even threatened the school authorities that they would withdraw their children from the school if children with special needs were allowed to be a part of the same classroom. I think it would have a great impact on normal children if they, too, were exposed to those with special needs.
From Ms Kasturi Sunkara
Abu Dhabi
A place to play
Children residing in metropolitan cities are often deprived of outdoor activities. My family lives in Bur Dubai and I find that children play in parking lots, due to the lack of conveniently located parks and open spaces. This is true for children in other parts of the city, too. However, playing in parking lots can be dangerous for the children and distracting for motorists. Parents have no choice but to restrict their children to indoor activities or accompany them to parks, which is possible only during weekends. I think property developers should keep such factors in mind before creating homes for residents.
From Ms Sumitha Jerald
Dubai
Sleepless in Sharjah
My baby is just three months old and wakes up after every 15 minutes during the night, thanks to the noise made by the construction site next to my apartment. The noise is so terrible that no adult can sleep through it - so how can one expect an infant to do so? We have complained to the authorities several times, but to no avail. I believe the level of noise made by construction work should be monitored and contractors prohibited from working late at night.
From Ms Hency Parekh
Sharjah
Living on the edge
This is in response to Gulf News's report on people with or without loans. Ideally, "the cost of a dream" can sometimes have negative repercussions and create a massive burden for debtors. Some people do not realise the seriousness of the issue and tend to live on the edge. Job security is a concern that people do need to consider. However, only a small percentage of those that avail loans get into trouble. The majority try to make the most of the money. Taking a loan is an individual's prerogative.
From Mr Vinod Kewalramani
Sharjah
Cautious optimism
I would like to congratulate Gulf News's business section for the extensive coverage of the global economic meltdown ("UAE markets recover Dh41b", Gulf News, October 14). However, even though markets did recover in the Middle East after discounted rates provided by the region's central banks, I was surprised by the optimism of investors interviewed. History has often shown that a short recovery caused by volatility in the market is not good in the long term. The current situation requires disciplined investment so that the public can enjoy lower rates. If the markets take a tumble again, it may have a lasting psychological impact on people who have lost their investments.
From Mr Ali Wahab
Sharjah
Take notice
Some of the main roads in Sharjah do not have pedestrian crossings, an over bridge or an underpass. It may be one reason why many people get run over. This is especially true on the Dubai - Sharjah highway and King Faisal Street areas. The authorities concerned need to take notice.
From Mr Bobby
Sharjah
Full name withheld by request
Trouble with bank
I opened an account with Citibank in August 2005 and with the intention of changing my signature, signed on the required form, in February 2006. The new signatures were then used for a consequent withdrawal of $70,000 (Dh257,195) in the same year. Unfortunately, when I requested for a payment transfer of $30,000 (Dh110,195) in February 2007, the Citibank officer made the mistake of not taking a copy of my identity card or following up on my personal information form. Therefore, the instruction was not processed. Citibank has claimed that the reason was a mismatch of the signature. When I requested them to provide evidence for their claim, they did not provide me with supporting documents. After pursuing the matter for a long time and after much delay on their part, I finally received the attested documents. There are major differences in the documents sent by them and the copy I have. How are the original documents sent by Citibank so different from the copies I have? Additionally, there is no mismatch of signatures.
From Mr Jagdish Khattar
Dubai
The management of Citibank replies:
Many thanks for following up on this case. We have already responded to Mr Khattar directly via an official letter stating the following:
The payment instruction and the signature change instruction couriered to Mr Khattar are the photocopies of the original instruction document that he had submitted. All executed original instructions are bank property and should be retained by the bank. Therefore, we regret that we cannot provide such original documents.
Rebuilding economy
Building on speculation, most investors have overheated the market with exaggerated assets and values ("Small brokerage firms face bankruptcies or mergers", Gulf News, October 15). However, this is a much-needed market correction, wherein shortage of money will bring prices to more realistic values and help rebuild the economy. Still, I fear for those people who have put money aside for their retirement plans and will find that the amount will be worth far less than what they might expect it to be.
From Mr Apollo D'Souza
Abu Dhabi
Inspiring winner
I was proud to hear that Aravind Adiga won the prestigious Man Booker prize recently ("Aravind Adiga wins literature's Man Booker prize", Gulf News, October 15). His literary work would undoubtedly continue to bring more awards to India in the future. Surely, his novel will inspire many young writers and directors across the world.
From Ms Subha
Dubai
Website comment
Right step
I was pleased to read that the authorities are taking necessary steps to improve road safety on the Al Ain-Dubai highway ("New speed limit for motorists on Al Ain-Dubai Road", Gulf News, October 15). Additionally, I urge the authorities to penalise motorists who drive with their hazard lights on, especially during foggy days. Normally, motorists who are rushing to work have a tendency to drive in a reckless manner, thereby increasing the risk of accidents. Hazard lights must only be switched on in case of an accident or if the vehicle is parked.
From Mr Mazhar Bangash
Dubai
Limited access
As an employee in a cleaning company, I reside in the industrial area of Jebel Ali. Although we are provided with public transport by the hour, we have very limited access to shopping malls. Left with no choice, we are forced to make long trips to either malls or the shopping areas in Bur Dubai. I urge the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to extend their public transport service to Dubai Investment Park, so that we can travel to places of interest at affordable cost. It would come as a great relief for employees in the area and allow them to save money that would otherwise go in paying taxi fare.
From Mr Rayamallu Rasakatla
Dubai
No change
As a frequent commuter on the Al Ain-Dubai road and other major highways, I believe that lowering the speed limit will not reduce the number of road accidents. The authorities should clamp down on drivers who practice bad road etiquette, such as speeding and rubbernecking. Additionally, I propose that educational programmes are implemented in order to make people aware of road regulations. This would help prevent accidents. Moreover, minibuses and pick-up trucks should be prohibited from using the fast lane.
From Mr Ben
Dubai
Website comment
Car stickers
This is in response to Gulf News's campaign to free Sammy the Shark ("Sammy at Atlantis aquarium", Gulf News, October 14). I think the drive to save the whale shark would pick up speed if car stickers with the "Free Sammy the Shark" logo were issued.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Important issue
I read Gulf News's report on rising rents, recently ("Rising rents force people to live illegally in capital", September 18). The report was placed on the sixth page of the newspaper and was much too short for readers satisfaction. Such issues are extremely important and should be considered for front-page news. Additionally, I have a solution for the housing problem in the Capital. I believe the authorities must look into the matter and build affordable homes for low-income workers. Public housing would definitely help families that cannot find appropriate accommodation.
From Ms Rafat Awad
UAE
No room
With the rising rents, people are forced to live in small, partitioned rooms ("Rising rents force people to live illegally in capital", September 18). They have no other choice if they wish to save some money for other necessities. The expatriates are looking for cheaper rooms and are even willing to rent a bed space, at Dh500 in villas. Skyrocketing rents leave no room for anything else.
From A Reader
UAE
Name withheld by request
Simple suggestion
For the past three years, the rent issue has been a very big problem for most of the expatriates ("Rising rents force people to live illegally in capital", September 18). Arbitrary rent hikes have become more rampant and rents continue to increase every day. I hope the authorities take control of the situation and work towards eradicating the problem. An appropriate solution for the issue would be for the authorities to build low cost housing for expatriates. Newcomers to the country are in dire need of affordable accommodation.
From Mr Roberto Roy
UAE
Solution required
With expatriates flying in from all over the world, the region is now home to an expanding global market ("Rising rents force people to live illegally in capital", September 18). Unfortunately, most newcomers resort to living in illegal accommodations, as they cannot afford their own homes. Most expatriates come to the region to earn well and improve their standard of living. In my case, I was living in an apartment for six years and was unexpectedly informed one morning that the house was actually a villa, divided by partitions. All the apartments had separate kitchens and washrooms. Around 20 families resided in the villa and all of them were given an eviction notice by the landlord. As the authorities did not approve of the partitioned villa, the landlords were not willing to be fined. However, once evicted, where would these families go? A solution needs to be found for such issues.
From Mr Sarfaraz Hussain
Dubai
Key problem
Everybody seems to be complaining about the rising rents. I believe the key problem in this case is sub-leasing ("Rising rents force people to live illegally in capital", September 18). It would help if a central system existed, wherein there would be strict monitoring of leaseholders with tenancy contracts. Additionally, I think one person should be allowed to rent only one apartment. Several people rent five to ten different apartments and then sub-lease them, which lead to inflated rents. This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed by the concerned authorities.
From A Reader
Abu Dhabi
Name withheld by request
Be aware
Being ignorant during Ramadan is not an excuse, especially when it comes to respecting the culture of a country ("Ramadan violators penalised Dh1,000", Gulf News, September 17). It is obligatory for every individual to be familiar with the laws and traditions of the country that he or she intends to visit. I believe the authorities could have been stricter when punishing those who were caught drinking juice in public. This would be an eye-opener to all and encourage people to respect the culture, especially during Ramadan.
From Ms Anne E. Angeles
Dubai
Concerned tenants
I believe people choose to reside illegally in shared accommodations due to the rising rents and the increase in the cost of living ("Rising rents force people to live illegally in capital", Gulf News, September 18). It is truly absurd for people to blame authorities when they demolish buildings or evacuate them from the premises. An illegal practice will not be allowed just because prices are rising. Additionally, I do not think violators of the law can put forth any justification for their behaviour, regardless of the struggles and ordeals they are currently facing. Investments in real estate have become a business and it is the tenant's responsibility to ensure that he or she is not being cheated. Additionally, if it is difficult for people to live in the country, they should consider returning to their home countries. This would definitely be a better solution than to live illegally. We must consider the situation the authorities are facing and imagine what would happen if they decide to let everyone live here. We need to let the authorities do their job hassle-free, for the good of the country and the public.
From Ms Shemina K. Kanayamkandy
Dubai
Sharing space
The authorities are very effective in implementing new rules ("Rising rents force people to live illegally in capital", Gulf News, September 18). However, when the laws are put into action, there are some unforeseen consequences that need to be addressed. For instance, I think affordable housing should be constructed for residents. This means an employee, with or without a family, should be able to afford rent for an apartment. Whether he or she chooses to share it with family and friends is his or her prerogative, provided it is within the proprietary rules of the country. Salaries, especially those of skilled workers, are not enough to afford a proper accommodation.
From Mr Frances P.
Dubai
